Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Culture of respect deeply entrenched in Sarawak

Posted on August 27, 2013, Tuesday

BINTULU: The culture of respecting one another, especially in celebrating major festivals, is still very much entrenched among Sarawakians.

Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip said this mutual respect among all races in the state can be seen in major festivals, not only during Hari Raya but also Chinese New Year, Gawai and Christmas.

“All races are celebrating the festivals together, regardless of the Orang Ulu, Iban, Chinese, Malay and others and we are visiting each other’s houses,” he said.

Talib said this during the Hari Raya gathering cum an event to celebrate the victory of Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing at Kampung Datuk recently.

It was jointly organised by the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) of Kpg Datuk, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party.

Talib added that the goodwill between the races in the state is so concentrated and the residents can live in unity and harmony, thus facilitating the growth of Sarawak.

“Last time, our road here is very bad but now the situation has improved but the road network should be upgraded due to the increase in number of vehicles,” he said, adding that the rapid development that exists in the state is a result of peace and harmony among the multiracial community.

In the meantime, he urged the people not to succumb to the culture of hatred and disparaging remarks on social sites which can cause instability and disunity.

He also admonished a group that accused him of not visiting his constituency.

“During the last election, there is a group saying that ‘I don’t go to the ground’, it’s not true because based on the record, I’ve been on the ground 50 times a year,” he said, adding that lots of incorrect accusations were thrown against him by irresponsible parties.

He thus reminded the people to realise that a slanderous culture is very misleading because sometimes people who do not know the real facts might be victimised by the malicious act.

Responding to the people’s request to upgrade the main road from the village to the town centre and for additional street lighting, he said the JKKK management should write a formal letter to Bintulu Development Authority and Sesco and send copies to the Bintulu MP and himself for further consideration.

During the function, Tiong donated RM10,000 for Kpg Datuk JKKK and RM3,000 to the event while Talib increased the allocation with another RM3,000.

The function was also graced with a flag-flying ceremony in conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Day to be celebrated on Aug 31.